The recently incorporated CyanogenMod previously released a 1-click installer app into the Google Play store, ostensibly to allow owners of specific devices to chance to test out the Cyanogen custom Android ROM without the hassles of manually rooting the device and sourcing miscellaneous files among other tedious steps typically required to flash custom ROMs onto a device.

At the time we also brought up the fact that such an app being approved for download on the Play Store also constituted a direct violation of Google’s own app guidelines, as well as violating its policies on apps that directly violate manufacturer guidelines, such as apps that lead to device warranties being voided. As the CyanogenMod app fell squarely into the former, we cried foul. It appears that Google has remembered its own guidelines, as the app has been pulled voluntarily from the Play Store with the following message from CyanogenMod itself to explain the situation:

Today, we were contacted by the Google Play Support team to say that our CyanogenMod Installer application is in violation of Google Play’s terms. They advised us to voluntarily remove the application, or they would be forced to remove it administratively. We have complied with their wishes while we wait for a more favorable resolution.

To those unfamiliar with the application, it has a single function – to guide users to enable “ADB”, a built in development and debugging tool, and then navigates the user to the desktop installer. The desktop application then performs the installation of the CyanogenMod on their Android device.After reaching out to the Play team, their feedback was that though application itself is harmless, since it ‘encourages users to void their warranty’, it would not be allowed to remain in the store.

We’ve seen hundreds of thousands of installations of the application, proving the demand for more choice, and that the need for an alternative Android experience exists. As we work through this new hurdle, we will continue to make available and support the installation process via our own hosting services. Fortunately, Android is open enough that devices allow for installing applications via ‘Unknown Sources’ (ie sideload). Though it’s a hassle and adds steps to the process, this does allow us a path forward, outside of the Play Store itself.

The application can be found via the Get Started link on CyanogenMod.org. In addition to ‘sideloading’, we are submitting the application to the Amazon and Samsung app-stores.

I emphasized the last part in particular, because while they can submit the app to both alternative Android storefronts, it does not mean that it will be approved as easily as it was the first time through the Play Store in the wake of the media attention it initially received. One also has to consider what Samsung thinks about a one-time partner submitting an app that is explicitly designed to void device warranties looking for approval within its own app store for its device lineup.

The overall problem comes when this app is designed to attract the average Android user, who will not have first-hand experience with device modification or even know what it entails. Is it really wise to expand the appeal of CyanogenMod to the general public, when the tools provided to the general public may leave them without warranty protection? Google was right to realize its mistake, now its Amazon and Samsung’s turn to decide if the app is appropriate for its storefronts.

[…] Google has removed CyanogenMod’s installer from the Google Play Store. We go in-depth in our follow-up report. Google did not respond directly to this editorial, but we did confirm they were aware of its […]

Cyanogenmod was clearly the biggest problem app in the store. Millions of average android users must have downloaded it and through a multi step process requiring additional software and hardward bricked their phones or in the worse case successfully loaded a modified o.s. At the least numerous warnings or disclaimers that could have help prevent some if this. Now I imagine that in short order we wi!l be reading another editorial complaining about some manufacturer’s/carrier’s o.s. update timeliness.

Matt, nobody here dislikes CyanogenMod. If you read the original editorial, that was made quite clear.

But just because CyanogenMod is great, doesn’t mean Google Play should have double standards on the rules. Android doesn’t have a walled garden, which means Google Play should be held to an even higher standard on keeping a level playing field.

Personally, I myself use CyanogenMod on the Verizon Galaxy Nexus, it’s one of the few firmwares for the device that supports TRIM alongside encryption. But, it also can brick a device. And, FYI, the app itself on the Android side at least gave no caution or warning. It wasn’t until after our editorial that CyanogenMod responded by adding a warning in the Play Store description – which is not display on every entry point to the app to begin with.

I’m not sure I would have penned the original editorial had that warning been there originally, but are we really being unfair here? Even CyanogenMod isn’t really disputing that they were in violation of the Play Store agreement as it stands.

All hail Christopher Price! Soon he’ll come to your house and tell you what you can top a pizza with. It doesn’t matter if Cyanogenmod agrees with you. It wasn’t doing any harm and you just wanted to be the one to bring something down somewhere–and you know this. Get over yourself.

Michael, I would encourage you to read the Google Play reviews where people had their devices bricked. The assertion that Cyanogenmod doesn’t do “any” harm, is incorrect. CM, like any unsupported firmware update, bears risks that it can brick a device.

Yeah, but not everyone is stupid enough to do something without researching things first, right? I encourage you to take a look all over the Play Store and see how many other potentially disastrous utilities exist as low-hanging fruit therein. It still strikes me that you just wanted to be the guys who brought down a major application for whatever reason. I’ve always been annoyed by hall monitor mentality from people like yourself. Simply having it available to people in the store was doing no direct harm to anyone.

Hip hip hooray!!! If your grandious enough to install a complete os onto your device without knowing anything about it. Then you need a new paper weight. Lol but the supposed “hardbrick” no such thing. I can boot any that claim that in 2 hours. And matt. Go see if hitler or putin need any help running others lives. Really? Do you develop? Do you do anything beyobd point at what your tiny mind percieves as good. Can you even spell develop?? I myself do not use cm. I use alliance. But only as i fancy TW roms. I have one word for ANYONE dumb enough to try mods with no understanding of them. RECOVERY!!! if you dont have it. Know it. Or ever heard of it.. Go join matt over in the kiddy pool of ignorance and simplistic thought…

If you want to open your eyes and mind. Before modding.. Look up safestrap. Or twrp. Or cwm. I dont prefer the last. But know those before anything else. Then. Have fun and enjoy your device. Before matt and the gang come russle them up and beat and chain us hardened thugs of development…